Black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) is a state candidate species in Washington. The population size of black-tailed jackrabbits in Washington is low. This species is vulnerable to loss of habitat connectivity from all four major connectivity threats: clearing and vegetation removal, development, roads and traffic, and the presence of people and domestic animals. Additionally, they are at considerable risk for increased mortality from vehicle traffic, persecution, and harassment by pets. Population monitoring is a challenge as no reliable census method exists for all population levels.
Habitat concentration areas (HCAs) are defined as significant habitat areas that are expected or known to be important for focal species based on survey data or habitat association modeling(WHCWG 2012). HCAs provide locations from which to model linkages.